Castle Homes LLC - A Maine Modular Home Dealer

Construction

Financial

Do you have in-house financing?
What is the price per square foot?
Do modular homes appreciate the same as a stick built homes?
What are the best areas where I can save money?
How much will it cost me to upgrade the windows?
What home will give me the best value for my money?
Do I pay for the house first and then pay for everything else later or can I put it all together in one package and try to finance the whole thing?
If I was to buy the same exact house as a home offered by you with all the same features and fixtures how much more would it cost me if I just had someone build it on my lot?
What types of financing do you accept?
Realistically how much money do I need to purchase a modular home?
It would be best for me if all of the costs associated with building and setting up my home were all part of the package that I finance. Besides taxes are there ay other costs that I cannot include in my financing package?
What are the hidden costs that many people fail to factor in when they are building a house?
Can you estimate for me the costs of well drilling, septic systems, foundations, and power? Can you provide me with a general estimate for each project?

Options

Miscellaneous

Q. Will the factory set the home on my foundation?: A. Yes, the factory will set the home and Castle Homes will remain with you throughout the construction process.
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Q. Can I pick my own general contractor?: A. Yes, you can choose your own contractor. However, due to their experience building modular structures we recommend that you consider making use of The King's Men LLC contractors.
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Q. Can you add or delete walls?: A. Yes, all of our homes are easily reconfigured to meet your design requirements.
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Q. What do we have to finish ourselves?: A. Nothing or as much as you like. We will work with you to insure that the home you order will be finished at a level that meets your needs. We recommend that home buyers consider our turn key option. Our professionals can quickly and beautifully finish your home and all you have to do is move in.
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Q. Are garages included?: A. No, however all options such as garages, decks and porch additions are available and may be included in your overall financing package. These additions may be installed by our highly skilled crews or by a contractor of your choice.
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Q. Are any of the homes designed for wheel chair users?: A. All Castle Homes' homes may be configured to accommodate wheel chair users.
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Q. Can bathrooms be modified for special needs people?: A. Yes, Castle Homes' bathroom equipment supplier has available adaptive roll in and out shower/tub units.
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Q. Can stair lifts be installed?: A. Yes, stair lifts may be installed, however, that decision should be made early in the design process.
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Q. What about Fire/Safety materials used in construction?: A. All Castle Homes' homes meet or exceed HUD codes. Additionally sprinkler systems or other specified fire safety options may be built into the design of your home.
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Q. Is it possible to install central air conditioning?: A. Yes.
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Q. Is it possible to install a central vacuum system?: A. Yes, currently Castle Homes is featuring the "silent master" central vacuum system which you can also see at www.centralvacuumsystem.com. (A display model is available for your viewing at our sales center in Belfast.)
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Q. If I need special pet doors installed can you do that?: A. Yes, our construction crew will be happy to install pet doors for you.
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Q. Is the plumbing done at the factory?: A. Yes, however once the home is set on your foundation it is necessary to connect the plumbing all together. Our construction crews can do this for you.
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Q. If I want to install a fireplace does that decision need to be made before the house is built?: A. Yes, we can install fireplaces and it is necessary to make that decision before the home is built.
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Q. What kind of options do I have for the outside of the building? Can I have wood instead of vinyl siding?: A. Vinyl siding is standard, however, wood siding is available as an upgrade option. Additionally other options such as decks, porches, dormers, shutters, and exterior lighting are also available.
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Q. If a model comes with a porch can I change the shape or location of the porch on the home?: A. Yes, porches and decks may be added or expanded to fit your taste, budget, and building site.
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Q. If I want to build a house with a full foundation, basement, can I do that with a Castle Homes home?: A. Yes, all models are designed to be placed on a full foundation(basement) or 4' frost wall.
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Q. Can I add or delete windows in a house?: A. Yes, additional or upgraded window features such as transoms are available for most models. Please note that the transom window feature requires a 9' ceiling.
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Q. If I want to install a Jacuzzi, can you do that inside or outside?: A. Generally we install Jacuzzi type bathroom fixtures on the inside only.
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Q. What kind of stair case can I get?: A. The standard stair case comes with oak balusters, oak hand rails, and is designed to be carpeted. Many upgrades are available including wood stairs (Hardwood Oak, Birch, and Maple) with matching hand rails and balusters.
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Q. Can you wire the house for my computer?: A. Yes, all specialty wiring including computer, phone, cable, and security systems can be added to your home at the time you place your order.
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Q. If I want to install all of the fixtures, plumbing and electrical, can I do that myself?: A. Yes, however, if the plumbing and electrical fixtures by a licensed journeyman you may rest assured that your warranties will remain intact.
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Q. Can you build one of those indoor/outdoor rooms onto my house?: A. Yes, however, most of the time dealers of sunrooms install them themselves.
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Q. Can I have special outlets on my house for Christmas lights etc.?: A. Yes, additional outlets and switches can be installed per your design.
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Q. If I have my own design for a floor plan can I buy a model and have you build to my design?: A. Yes, most of the models can be configured to meet redesign requirements.
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Q. If I want additional insulation in the walls and attic can I have this done?: A. Yes, please specify at the time of ordering your insulation requirements.
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Q. Do the homes have cellulose or fiberglass insulation? Do I have a choice?: A. Our homes use both fiberglass and cellulose insulation and the customer may specify which type of insulation they prefer.
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Q. Can you install specialty items like steam rooms or saunas?: A. We can assist you in contacting reputable suppliers and installers.
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Q. Can I arrange the kitchen any way I want?: A. Yes, however, the main supporting walls must remain in place and the home owner must be mindful of the impact of changing a design in regard to plumbing and electrical requirements.
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Q. Can I choose to have the bottom floor finished and leave the top floor unfinished for now?: A. Yes, however, you should consider that materials will cost you more than the factory can purchase them because they buy in bulk.
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If I want to do the siding myself, can I have that deducted from the purchase price?: Yes, we supply allowances for work/materials you choose to do or obtain yourself.
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Can I watch you install a home?: A. Yes, simply contact us and we'll direct you to a local site where in you can witness a home being set on a foundation.
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Q. If I choose to install solar panels can you install them for me?: A. Yes, we also install skylights, solar tubes, and a variety of designer windows.
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Q. Do you build or can you design free standing garages that match the home I have chosen?: A. Yes, all garages are built on site with building materials, such as siding and shingles, from the same dye lots as the materials used on your home.
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Q. Can I have speaker wire or other specialty wiring installed in the walls of my home?: A. Yes, as you select the various components of your home you may also identify locations throughout the home that you will choose for speaker wires, internet ports, and cable etc.
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Q. Can I have an intercom installed?: A. Yes, intercoms and other electronic devices such as hard wired fire alarms are available for installation at the factory.
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Q. Do you build fire escapes?: A. Yes, The King's Men construction crew can build a variety of supplemental features for your home including fire escapes, decks, widow's walks, and balconies.
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Q. When the cabinets are installed does someone repair damage to the walls, and does someone repaint over installation marks?: A. All cabinetry is installed at the factory prior to the walls being painted to avoid the damage you are referring to.
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Q. I worry about how transporting my house over long distances will affect the strength of the structure. What can you tell me about my concerns?: A. All of our homes are specifically designed to withstand the stress of transportation via the use of an additional 30% more wood than a conventional stick built home.
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Q. Do you have in-house financing?: A. From our experience working with banks and brokers we can make recommendations, however, we do not provide in-house financing.
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Q. What is the price per square foot?: A. The square foot cost depends upon the choices and upgrades you choose. Our basic homes come in at on average $75 per square foot. Our fully finished turn key/upgraded homes come in at about $100 per square foot.
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Q. Do modular homes appreciate the same as a stick built homes?: A. Yes, in every regard modular homes are as good and in many instances better than a traditional stick built home, including a return on your investment if you decide to sell.
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Q. What are the best areas where I can save money?: A. Attending to the roofline, generally speaking, the simpler the roof the better regarding cost control. Also, it is much less expensive to build up rather than out. We recommend that you make an appointment with Mr. Bishop to discuss other cost control options.
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Q. How much will it cost me to upgrade the windows?: A. Windows are expensive, and the basic windows provided by our factories are very nice with argon charged, tilt out, double hung features. However, we can make available other upgraded window options for you to choose from if you have something special in mind.
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Q. What home will give me the best value for my money?: A. A 2-story basic colonial provides the best price per square foot.
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Q. Do I pay for the house first and then pay for everything else later or can I put it all together in one package and try to finance the whole thing?: A. Your home is sold and paid for as a unit with all upgrades and options included in the final price. All additional expenses such as land, foundation, and garages are billed separately unless the customer chooses to have King Bishop become the General Contractor.
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Q. If I was to buy the same exact house as a home offered by you with all the same features and fixtures how much more would it cost me if I just had someone build it on my lot?: A. Literally thousands of dollars more, because factories buy their building materials in bulk and pass the savings onto the customer.
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Q. What types of financing do you accept?: A. Most of our customers use a normal mortgage or construction loan to finance their home.
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Q. Realistically how much money do I need to purchase a modular home?: A. Generally speaking our turn key homes (fully finished) begin at approximately $80,000.
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Q. It would be best for me if all of the costs associated with building and setting up my home were all part of the package that I finance. Besides taxes are there ay other costs that I cannot include in my financing package?: A. Financing packages are determined by the lending institution. Most lending institutions are capable of developing plans that include both mortgage and construction loans.
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Q. What are the hidden costs that many people fail to factor in when they are building a house?: A. Hidden costs are a function of deceptive business practices and poor planning. At Castle Homes we will be completely honest with you and make every effort to insure that as you plan your home all of your questions are fully and completely answered. Further, we will also advice you regarding cost saving options and choices that are all available and appropriate to your situation.
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Q. Can you estimate for me the costs of well drilling, septic systems, foundations, and power? Can you provide me with a general estimate for each project?: A. It is difficult to estimate the cost of groundwork in that we do not know the status of your land, i.e. the presence of ledge, granite, boulders. On average all of the groundwork for your site including well, septic, groundwork, and foundation can be estimated to run between $35,000 and $45,000. Regarding power we advise our customers to contact Central Maine Power and they will provide you with a detailed cost estimate.
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Q. Are all of the interior doors hollow core doors? What about the cellar door?: A. Yes, the standard interior door is a hollow core door. However, upgrades such as solid wood or metal doors are available.
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Q. Do you have any sound proofing material? If so can I have it installed in a playroom area?: A. Yes, sound proofing is available for any room including music rooms, playrooms, and bedrooms.
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Q. What heating choices do I have?: A. All heating choices are available, however, we recommend hot water baseboard.
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Q. If I want to have French doors instead of a sliding glass door can I do that?: A. Yes, our door manufacturer has several upgrade options available including French doors or you may choose another manufacturer and our crews can install them for you if you choose.
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Miscellaneous

Q. Are appliances included?

A. No, however, you can set-up your loan to include financing for the house and furnishings.

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Q. Do you take trade-ins?

A. No, Uncle Henry's is your best choice.

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Q. What do I do to get started?

A. There are three things you need to do. First, choose a design, second, make an appointment with Mr. Bishop to review your project, third, you would make an appointment with Mrs. Bishop to choose options and order your home.

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Q. What is a modular home?

A. A modular home is a factory built wood frame home that is built on a level surface in a temperature controlled environment and assembled on your site. Did you know that a modular home is built using 1/3 more wood than a comparable stick built home?

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Q. Can I get in contact with someone who has already purchased a Castle Homes home?

A. Yes. Please contact us for references from satisfied customers.

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Q. Which models would you recommend for the elderly?

A. We recommend single story turn key models. These models are designed for easy access and maintenance.

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Q. Why should I buy a home from Castle Homes?

A. We're builders, not just dealer/owner operators. This is very important because we know how to build homes not just sell them. Additionally, we provide excellent service and will remain with you throughout the building process.

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Q. Are modular homes the same as mobile homes?

A. No, modular homes are permanent structures built and placed on an 8' foundation or a 4' frost wall.

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Q. What comes with the basic home?

A. A Castle Homes home includes a weather tight shell, including windows and doors, the interior of the home includes counter-top, cabinets, sinks, toilets, tubs, air exchange system, electrical, plumbing, and trim.

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Q. Do all homes include kitchen cabinets?

A. Yes, the basic kitchen cabinets include oak fronts, standard knobs, fully assembled and mounted to the wall. Many upgrades are available including; maple, birch, hardwood oak, and thermoplastic fronts. All of these are available in a wide array of colors and finishes.

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Q. Do the homes have attics and can they be used for storage or other rooms?

A. Most of the homes do not have attics that can be used as other rooms, however, storage of smaller items is possible and attic access is provided as part of the home.

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Q. If I have a well can you do all of the plumbing and electrical hook-ups?

A. We can arrange to have a licensed electrician and/or plumber do that for you. We have several excellent sub-contractors available to assist our customers.

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Q. Do heating systems come with the house?

A. We design our homes to be compatible with the heating unit of your choice. The customer must choose their own heating system, however, Castle Homes recommends hot water baseboard and this can be installed by one of our sub-contractors.

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Q. Do you tile bathrooms and kitchens?

A. Yes, our crews can do this for you or we can recommend a tile specialist.

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Q. Will the house have external water spigots? If so, how many and where will they be located?

A. Yes, the standard home comes with one external water spigot and can be placed wherever you would like. Additional water spigots may be added upon request.

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Q. We are planning on building a house this year and would like to move in this summer, how far in advance should we purchase our home?

A. We recommend, at minimum, that the home owner allow 12 weeks from the time of ordering to their move in date. Some "stock" models may take less time from ordering to move in date. We strongly recommend that if you require a specific move in date that you place your order as soon as possible.

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Q. Will the owner be available to travel and see my land? I will need to know if a modular home can be placed on a very steep hill.

A. Yes, the owners of Castle Homes make a point of visiting the construction site throughout the building process. If you are uncertain about your building site please advise Mr. Bishop as soon as possible and he will travel to your site and evaluate your concerns.

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Q. I will be traveling soon; can I see the factory where my home will be built?

A. Yes, the factory welcomes visitors to their site.

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Q. How many models do you sell?

A. There are 100's of choices.

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Q. Do your homes have energy ratings?

A. Yes, we are an Energy Star approved home.

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Q. So if a modular house is just as good as a regular house why should I choose to buy one of your houses? I guess I want to know what the advantages are.

A. The advantages include the following:

Our modular homes are built in a temperature controlled environment eliminating weather damage problems and infestation concerns.
Our modular homes are constructed on a flat and level surface insuring accurate construction.
Our modular homes are built with 30% more wood than a stick built home to insure strength and rigidity.
From the point of ordering your home to its assembly on your site can take as little as four weeks.
As the customer makes design changes new floor plans are drawn that the customer may further modify until they are completely satisfied.
Our modular homes are built with state of the art materials and techniques by skilled craftsmen using the latest in construction technology.
Each modular home is truly unique reflecting the vision and taste of the buyer.

There are many other reasons to buy a modular home that we would be more than happy to highlight for you at our Belfast sales center.

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Q. Are any of your models specifically designed as duplex or multi-unit structures?

A. Yes, we have several structures designed to be used as multi-family or two family homes. We also have structures designed to be for commercial applications.

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Q. How available will the owners be to answer questions and take information regarding changes or additions?

A. At Castle Homes customer service is our top priority, toward that end the owners, King and Mary Bishop, are available for both drop in and scheduled appointments to answer questions.

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Q. Will there be a supervisor on site during assembly of my home?

A. The owner King Bishop is on site to supervise the set process. Mr. Bishop also directs the set crew to insure that your home is properly erected.

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Q. What are the advantages of building at a particular time of the year?

A. We build throughout the calendar year making exceptions to extreme weather conditions. The optimal conditions for construction are frequently present during the months of March - December.

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Q. I live on a country road that is not in good shape, how can I tell if you can deliver a home to my lot?

A. Generally the road must be in good condition as the home is delivered to your site by semi-trucks. In rural areas a representative of the town will issue a permit indicating it is safe for use by large trucks.

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Q. Do you deliver to any of the islands?

A. Yes, however, customers are advised that transporting homes to the islands is very expensive. Generally, unless otherwise specified Castle Homes' responsibility is limited to the main land. However, we can assist you in obtaining sub-contractor services.

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